On Holi — Abnish Singh Chauhan

O Lord Krishna!1
On Holi,2
I wish to witness
Your colourful lila3
in Goloka4 Vrindavan,5
with Your beloved
Shriji6 and sakhas.7

You know—
that day
I made a journey
to Your shri-dham,8
with full faith and hope,
and there, I had darshan9
of Bankey Bihari,10
surrounded by pujaris11, pandas,12
and many other devotees,
playing Holi
with one another
in the compound.

You said
in the Bhagvad Gita13—
“You also dwell within.”
I search for You there too,
day and night,
but only find
endless darkness.

O help me, Giridhari,14
in becoming vijanatah15—
one who knows You,
and the unique colours of
one’s own soul.

***



Footnotes:
1. Krishna: The eighth avatar of Vishnu, god of love, compassion, and protection.
2. Holi: A festival of colours.
3. Lila: Divine play.
4. Goloka: ‘Go’ means cows, and ‘loka’ means world or realm.
5. Vrindavan: A city in Braj, U.P.
6. Shriji: A name of the revered Radharani of Braj.
7. Sakhas: Friends or followers.
8. Shri-dham: An auspicious abode of God.
9. Darshan: A glimpse or view.
10. Bankey Bihari: A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in Vrindavan.
11. Pūjari: A priest
12. Pandas: Religious guides, commonly known for their roles in Hindu rituals.
13. The Bhagavad Gita: A Hindu scripture, featuring a conversation between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna.
14. Girdhari: A name of Lord Krishna, meaning ‘one who holds the mountain.’
15. Vijanatah: One who is fully wise.